The best sunscreens to wear under your makeup

from $52 at Ultra Violette

This SPF offers a tinted finish that doesn't leave a white cast, it absorbs instantly and it dries down to a natural matte finish. It's lightweight and doesn't pill when you apply makeup over the top of it. Plus, it's fragrance-free and won't sting your eyes either. 

Key features:

Lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky formula
Fast-absorbing
Natural matte finish
Fragrance-free
Won't sting your eyes

Available at:

$52 from Ultra Violette

from $51 at Sephora

With the texture of a silicone primer and a clear finish, this unique sunscreen formula was practically made with makeup in mind. It aims to smooth texture and blur the appearance of pores too, ensuring you achieve the most flawless foundation application every single morning. 

Key features:

Clear, dewy-satin finish
Feels like a silicone primer
Smooths texture and blurs pores
Weightless texture
Water resistant

Available at:

$51 from Sephora

from $17.39 at Chemist Warehouse

If you struggle with dry skin then these moisturising, yet lightweight and silky SPF serum drops needs to be on your radar. They're enriched with a blend of vitamin E, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract and aloe vera, which helps to keep skin hydrated for up to 72 hours after application. Say goodbye to dry, cakey-looking makeup.

Key features:

Lightweight and silky texture
Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic
Hydrates skin for up to 72 hours
Enriched with vitamin E, hibiscus sabdariffa fruit extract and aloe vera
Suitable for very dry skin

Available at:

$17.39 from Chemist Warehouse
$17.49 from MYER
$24.99 from Priceline

from $39.95 at Priceline

This vitamin E and glycerin-infused moisturiser is designed to do more than just hydrate your skin. It’s also backed with 50+ SPF and crafted by the people who know problem skin, meaning that the oil-free formula is suitable for breakout-prone skin types. Always make sure you’re reading the instructions for use, covering up and staying out of the sun where possible. 

Key features:

Enriched with soothing vitamin E and hydrating glycerin
Oil-free formula
Suitable for breakout-prone skin
No white cast
Lightweight and non-greasy

Key features:

$39.95 from Priceline
$39.95 from TBH Skincare
$40 from Coles

from $36.95 at Naked Sundays

When it comes to makeup and SPF, usually the two don’t get along all that well. But this new sun serum from Naked Sundays has been specially formulated to mend their relationship. The unique, completely clear gel serum is a triple threat, working as an SPF, antioxidant-rich serum and makeup primer too. The matte-finish formula has been infused with squalane, watermelon extract, tomato extract, and jojoba to help hydrate skin, boost collagen production, and protect against free radicals and blue light pollution. 

Key features:

Clear, serum-textured formula
Matte finish
Enriched with fruit extracts, squalane and jojoba
Protects skin from environmental aggressors and blue light pollution

Available at:

$36.95 from Naked Sundays

from $25.49 at Amazon Australia

If an ultra-light, non-shiny, non-greasy sunscreen with an invisible finish AND very high UVA/UVB protection sounds too good to be true, you just haven’t met La Roche Posay’s superstar fluid SPF yet. Dermatologically-tested for sensitive skin (and eyes) this little guy layers perfectly under makeup without the risk of irritation.

Key features:

Lightweight, non-shiny and non-greasy formula
Invisible finish
Fragrance free
Non-comedogenic
Suitable for sensitive skin

Available at:

$25.49 from Amazon Australia
$29.99 from Chemist Warehouse
$37.95 from Priceline

from $34.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this sunscreen serum has been enriched with a healthy serving of Avène's signature thermal spring water, alongside hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E. Plus, it isn't sticky or greasy, absorbs quickly, and it boasts an invisible finish (read: no white cast).

Key features:

Enriched with a soothing blend of Avène thermal spring water, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and vitamin E
Non-sticky and non-greasy
Fast-absorbing
Invisible finish

Available at:

$34.99 from Chemist Warehouse
$34.99 from Amazon Australia
$44.99 from Priceline

from $9 at Amazon Australia

Delivering high broad-spectrum sun protection but at an affordable price, this facial sunscreen for oily skin helps mattify and control oil while also hydrating skin. The lightweight texture and non-greasy and non-sticky feel makes this sunscreen a winner under makeup.

Key features:

Mattifying, shine control formula
Non-sticky and non-greasy texture
Absorbs excess oil on the surface of the skin
Lightweight feel
Enriched with antioxidants

Available at:

$9 from Amazon Australia
$10.69 from Chemist Warehouse
$10.79 from Priceline

from $25.69 at Chemist Warehouse

Looking to streamline your morning routine? This hydrating sunscreen formula doubles as a moisturiser and SPF to save you from having to apply an extra step in the AM. The moisture-enhancing pick is lightweight and non-greasy, plus it helps to firm and smooth skin too.

Key features:

Hydrating formula
Lightweight and non-greasy
Can be used in lieu of moisturiser
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, squalane, and polyfructol plus complex

Available at:

$25.69 from Chemist Warehouse

from $10.99 at Priceline

This oil-free sunscreen is a long-time pharmacy fave; it provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum sun protection, but feels (and looks) invisible on the skin. It's also shine-free and great in humid climates, and it creates a smooth layer over skin that actually makes your makeup easier to apply.

Key features:

Oil-free formula
Shine-free, invisible finish
Non-greasy and mattifying
Lightweight and non-comedogenic

Available at:

$10.99 from Priceline
$15.39 from Chemist Warehouse
$16.95 from Amazon Australia